If you’ve been treated differently at work and suspect your race, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, or another protected characteristic played a role, you may be wondering whether discrimination was the reason for what happened. Our team of attorneys at Employment Rights Lawyers, APC helps employees evaluate the facts and pursue accountability when discrimination occurs.
What is Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer makes decisions or treats an employee differently because of a legally protected characteristic, such as race, age, disability, religion, or another protected status. Under California and federal law, discrimination may involve hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments, discipline, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employment. Not every unfair action is illegal, but it may become unlawful when a protected characteristic is a motivating factor.
Our team of attorneys at Employment Rights Lawyers, APC, helps employees determine whether workplace conduct may violate employment laws. We evaluate the facts, explain your rights, gather evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome through negotiation, litigation, or trial when necessary.
Types of Discrimination That Workers May Face
Age-Based Discrimination
Age discrimination occurs when an employee is treated less favorably because of their age. This may involve hiring decisions, promotions, layoffs, discipline, compensation, or termination. Older workers are often affected, but the key issue is whether age played a role in the employer’s decision rather than legitimate business considerations.
Gender-Based Discrimination
Gender-based discrimination occurs when an employee is treated differently because of their sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or related characteristics. It may affect hiring, pay, promotions, job assignments, workplace opportunities, or disciplinary actions. Employees have the right to be evaluated based on their qualifications and performance.
Medical Disability Discrimination
Medical disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably because of a physical or mental disability. It may also involve failing to provide reasonable work accommodations that would allow the employee to perform essential job duties. Employers have obligations to engage in an interactive process when accommodations are needed.
Racial Discrimination
Racial discrimination occurs when an employee experiences adverse treatment because of their race, ethnicity, skin color, ancestry, or related characteristics. This conduct may appear in hiring, promotions, compensation, workplace discipline, or termination decisions. Employees have the right to work free from race-based bias and stereotypes.
Other Forms of Discrimination:
- Pregnancy discrimination
- Religious discrimination
- National origin discrimination
- Sexual orientation discrimination
- Gender identity discrimination
- Marital status discrimination
- Military or veteran status discrimination
Why Choose Employment Rights Lawyers, APC, for Your Discrimination Case?
Discrimination often requires more than proving that you were treated unfairly. You must show that a protected characteristic played a role in the employer’s actions. Our team of attorneys at Employment Rights Lawyers, APC, focuses exclusively on employment law, giving us deep experience in investigating workplace discrimination claims. We provide direct access to our legal team, personalized attention, and litigation-ready representation to pursue the best possible outcome for every client we serve.
Do You Have a Viable Discrimination Claim? Or is It Just Unfair?
Many employees assume that any unfair treatment at work is illegal. In reality, discrimination typically requires evidence that a protected characteristic influenced the employer’s decision.
FAQ
What Can I Do if I’m Being Subjected to Discrimination?
If you believe discrimination is occurring at work, start by documenting what happened. Save emails, text messages, performance reviews, and any other records that may help establish a timeline. Keep notes on all discriminatory comments, decisions, or incidents, including dates, witnesses, and those involved. If appropriate, follow your employer’s reporting procedures and retain copies of any complaints you submit.
Contact Us for a Free
(And Confidential) Consultation
If you believe workplace discrimination may have played a role in how you were treated, contact Employment Rights Lawyers, APC, for a free and confidential case review. Our team can evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand your legal options.
